The SCTEX or Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway

From Metro Manila, there are 2 main expressways that give motorists access towards the northern part of Luzon (NLEX or North Luzon Expressway) and the southern part (SLEX or South Luzon Expressway). In the northern part of Luzon, there are 2 major economic zones namely the Clark Special Economic Zone and Subic Bay Freeport Zone. These 2 places were previously United States bases Clark Air Base and the Subic Naval Base.

In order to go from one base to another, you'd have to take a long route plagued with traffic jams and narrow roads since you'll be passing through major provincial cities along the way. But now with the SCTEX or Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, it's way easier and faster to travel. It also connects to Tarlac City's Techno Park by the Luisita Complex. It was opened back in 2008 and has been in operation since.

We've actually traveled through the SCTEX a number of times and I am glad to say that it actually meets its purpose. Before, in order to get to our province in Tarlac City, we had to travel through the end of the North Luzon Expressway and go through some cities in Tarlac with narrow and dangerous roads. It takes an average of 2 hours from Manila to Tarlac City proper. But with SCTEX, with similar average speeds, it now takes us only 1 hour and a half to reach our province. That's 25% less travel time.

But of course since it's an expressway, we have to pay toll. From the exit near Angeles in Pampanga to Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac City, we paid 60 Pesos which is roughly $1.35. We have no complaints though. The roads are wide and smooth and the roads are separated between northbound and southbound vehicles thus there is less risk of having accidents from counter flow, head-on collisions, etc.

The speed limit is reasonable. The minimum is 60 kph and the maximum is 100 kph. Sometimes, cars do go over the speed limit. We usually travel at around 80 kph to be safe and to save gas. No need to get rough on the gas pedal.

Anyway, there's a shoulder road where you can stop for emergencies or if you need to for any reason. Just don't forget to place your early warning devices. Roadside assistance is also available and contact numbers for the administrators of the expressway are always visible. Too bad though, there aren't many stopover points within the SCTEX. Hopefully, soon there will be a few.

Well, it's really nice to travel along the SCTEX and it has a nice view of the countryside and the famous Mount Arayat. Our car is quite old now and we decided to turn off air-conditioning and the wind feels good. It's definitely among the most successful road projects and it's now so much easier to travel between the 2 special economic zones and the province of Tarlac.

Source:
Wikipedia - SCTEX
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subic-Clark-Tarlac_Expressway